The EVs for Everyone Podcast

Elena Ciccotelli

If you're an EV enthusiast, you've come to the right place. The EVs for Everyone Podcast is a fun, entertaining look at how some of the world's most innovative companies are racing towards an electrified future. Press play to listen to exclusive interviews with respected leaders in the automotive industry who are ramping up their electrification efforts and sharing what they've learned along the way. If you're an automotive professional who wants to keep up with the latest EV trends (all while having a little fun), this is definitely the show for you.

  1. Ep. 265: The $1,000 Car Payment?! What Experian’s Data Really Reveals with Melinda Zabritski

    4d ago

    Ep. 265: The $1,000 Car Payment?! What Experian’s Data Really Reveals with Melinda Zabritski

    What’s worse: hitting a speed bump with a full cup of coffee… or signing up for a $1,000/month car payment? Both are bad, but that $1K car note stings a whole lot more. Good thing we’ve got Melinda Zabritski, Head of Automotive Financial Insights at Experian Automotive, back on the show today to help us make sense of it all. Maybe not the coffee part but definitely the finance part! In this episode, Melinda and I break down Experian's latest State of the Automotive Finance Market report for Q1 2026. We get into why nearly 1 in 5 new vehicle loans now come with a $1,000+ monthly payment, and why 74% of those big payments aren’t for luxury badges but for CUVs, SUVs, and especially pickup trucks. We talk about how over a third of new loans now stretch past six years and what that does to your equity when you go back to the dealership, plus how average loan amounts have climbed more than $2,150 year over year and how destination fees and bigger vehicles have pushed payments higher. Then we run an EV vs. hybrid reality check and dig into why EV financing dropped from nearly 11% to just over 6% of new vehicle financing, how tax credits fueled the EV surge and what happened when that boost faded, why hybrids are on fire while BEVs decelerate, and why non-luxury EVs can still deliver some of the lowest monthly payments on the market. ______________________________________ 🔗 Want the full story in data form? We pulled the highlights, but you’ll want the details: Experian's State of the Automotive Finance Market Report: Q1 2026Experian Automotive's exclusive quarterly report on the latest trends and analysis of the U.S. automotive finance market, presented by Melinda Zabritski, Head of Automotive Financial Insights at Experian. This quarter’s report highlights several key trends shaping the automotive finance landscape: Used financing share increased while overall volumes declined.Growth shifted toward non-prime segments.Banks and finance companies continued gaining share.Loan amounts, payments, and terms increased.Leasing declined year-over-year.Refinance activity grew, with average monthly savings.Delinquencies remained elevated. Download here _______________________________ Check out Experian's EV Resource Page for all things electric vehicle data _______________________________ This episode is sponsored by Experian. Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. Experian helps to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using their unique combination of data, analytics and software. Learn more here https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone _______________________________ Connect with Melinda on LinkedIn _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

    15 min
  2. Ep: 264: Volvo EX60 Deep Dive with Jim Nichols (Live from AutoTech Detroit)

    Jun 8

    Ep: 264: Volvo EX60 Deep Dive with Jim Nichols (Live from AutoTech Detroit)

    What do a Jenga tower, seamless tolling, and a sub 5-second 0–60 Volvo have in common? Apparently…a lot. In this episode, I sat down with Jim Nichols, VP, Head of Product Technology and Consumer Offer at Volvo Cars, live from AutoTech for a fast-paced convo that stacks real world insights you won’t hear anywhere else. You’ll hear, “Jenga with Jim:” a rapid-fire warmup game where we find out his first car, his favorite Volvo, and the best career advice he’s ever gotten, why the new Volvo EX60 is “a fantastic vehicle that happens to be an EV” and how it’s lining up against the BMW iX3 and Tesla Model Y. We also talked about how Volvo is using software to shave charging time from ~18 minutes down to 16 minutes (10–80% SOC) without changing the hardware, the story behind the discontinuation of the EX30 in the U.S. and a sneak peek at Tollsy; the tolling solution that ditches windshield transmitters, taps into the car’s telematics, and somehow makes tolling agencies, automakers, and drivers all happy at the same time. Hit play and find out why the EX60 might be Volvo’s most impressive flex yet! _______________________________ Watch the "Jenga with Jim" segment on YouTube _______________________________ Connect with Jim on LinkedIn _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ElenaCiccotelli_EV4E ________________________

    16 min
  3. Ep. 263: James Bond Now Drives a BYD (And Other Things You Should Know) with Michael Dunne

    May 22

    Ep. 263: James Bond Now Drives a BYD (And Other Things You Should Know) with Michael Dunne

    China is quickly becoming the auto industry’s final boss, and Michael Dunne, CEO of Dunne Insights, is here to explain why everyone else in the world is still trying to play catch up. In this episode, we break down: The Trump-Xi Summit which had a huge red carpet but tiny outcomes for autos, BYD’s global glow‑up: from “cheap and cheerful” to Daniel Craig, a black lab puppy, and God’s Eye ADAS. Even James Bond now drives a BYD. And then we visit the whimsical (and totally fictional) "Joint Venture Land" with Stellantis and Dongfeng. Michael calls it a one-way ticket into oblivion, "sleeping in the same bed, dreaming different dreams." And finally, your brain might explode when you hear this one but: no, you’re not getting a $10K BYD in the U.S. because China wants European style profits, not bargain bin margins. If you think this is just about cheap Chinese EVs, think again. This is a geopolitical street fight and Joint Venture Land might be the scariest theme park of 2026. Don't miss this episode! _______________________________ Join me LIVE at AutoTech Detroit on June 3rd and 4th for even more great conversations with the best minds in automotive. Oh, and did I mention I'm bringing EV4E merch?! Go here to register and use code "EVS20" for 20% off your registration at checkout: https://autotechevents.com/home/passes-prices/ _______________________________ "Everything Is Changing" Denza commercial featuring Daniel Craig ________________________________ Connect with Michael Dunne on X | LinkedIn | Substack _________________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

    24 min
  4. Ep. 262: The One Where We Talk About Chinese EVs (And So Much More) with Patrick George, The Wall Street Journal

    May 11

    Ep. 262: The One Where We Talk About Chinese EVs (And So Much More) with Patrick George, The Wall Street Journal

    Is this an EV story, a China story, or an “America forgot how to build affordable cars” story? My guest today, Patrick George, Detroit Bureau Chief at The Wall Street Journal says it’s all of the above. On this episode, Patrick unpacks the latest twists and turns in the EV arms race, the China factor, and why US automakers are stuck selling $70k trucks while BYD is out here dropping tech-packed EVs for the price of a used Corolla. From El Paso, Texas as America’s unofficial Chinese EV showroom to Volkswagen handing its EV homework to Chinese partners, Patrick pulls back the curtain on what's actually happening and why. You’ll hear how Chinese automakers have mastered EVs using the West’s own playbook and then leveled it up, why US policy “whiplash” has automakers whipsawed between EV mandates and gas-powered reality, what everyday buyers really want (hint: not a $50k “rough draft” EV) and why $20k Chinese EVs are the elephant at the border. If you work in auto and think you “kind of” understand what’s happening…you probably don’t. This episode is your wake-up call. ___________________________________ Read the full WSJ article by Ryan Felton here, "The U.S. Wants to Ban China’s High-Tech Cars, but They’re Already Here in El Paso" https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/chinese-cars-byd-geely-u-s-mexico-be0dea28?st=S1KY5S&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink _______________________________ Connect with Patrick George on LinkedIn _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

    22 min
  5. Ep. 261: "Hey Chat, Where Should I Buy a Car?" Voice Search & AI with Experian Automotive

    May 7

    Ep. 261: "Hey Chat, Where Should I Buy a Car?" Voice Search & AI with Experian Automotive

    Car shoppers are now voice‑dictating their way to dealerships at 10pm from the couch. If your AI bouncer is guarding bad data, you’re losing deals before they ever hit your showroom. In this episode, I’m at the Used Car Summit in Miami with Experian Automotive’s Michael Kraut, VP of Advertising Data Solutions and Kirsten Von Busch, Director of Product Marketing to talk about how voice search and AI are now becoming the new “bouncer at the door” for dealers. This time, we dug into: why half-baked inventory listings are a fast track to losing AI‑driven shoppers, how Experian’s new agentic AI, “Vinny,” helps consumers decode vehicle history reports without feeling dumb, whether dealers should optimize for AI answers, SEO, or both and if voice‑first shoppers might actually be better, more informed leads. If AI is the new front door to your dealership then this episode is your reminder: if the data’s wrong, the deal is gone! Also, be sure to listen until the end to hear our "Yes / No paddle game" where Michael and Kirsten answer a set of rapid fire questions that'll make you wanna check your ChatGPT history (like right now). _______________________________ This episode is sponsored by Experian. Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. Experian helps to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using their unique combination of data, analytics and software. Learn more here https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone _______________________________ Connect with Kirsten on LinkedIn Connect with Michael on LinkedIn _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

    15 min
  6. Ep. 260: Thinking About Buying a Used EV? Listen To This Before You Sign

    May 4

    Ep. 260: Thinking About Buying a Used EV? Listen To This Before You Sign

    Before you buy a used EV, don’t trust, “it charges fine” as an answer. Scott Lear, President of Battery4Life, joined me in Miami at the Used Car Summit last month to unpack the realities of used EV ownership and why your battery is the single most important part of the deal. Scott explains how Battery4Life flips traditional service contracts on their head with VIN-specific coverage and lifetime protection on both the high-voltage pack and 12V battery. You’ll also hear why battery degradation rarely happens “slowly and gently,” what the infamous Tesla “red screen of death” really means for your wallet, and how Scott’s team uses state-of-health reports and cell balance data to decide which batteries they’ll cover for life. He also shares a simple, practical checklist for anyone considering a used EV, plus a candid story about how a bad Level 2 charger install nearly “blew up” a customer’s car. Whether you’re an auto exec, dealer, or first-time EV shopper, this episode will help you buy smarter, protect your battery, and avoid any surprises down the road! _______________________________ This episode is sponsored by Battery4Life (B4L). For the first time in battery retailing, B4L offers automotive dealerships and other organizations the ability to sell a lifetime battery contract to consumers. Coverage is available on Gas, Hybrid and Electric vehicles for life. Dealers: learn more at https://www.1battery4life.com/ _______________________________ Connect with Scott Lear on LinkedIn or email: scott@dealerbenefit.com _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

    14 min
  7. Ep. 259: The Great Rebalancing Act with Elizabeth Krear (Center for Automotive Research)

    Apr 27

    Ep. 259: The Great Rebalancing Act with Elizabeth Krear (Center for Automotive Research)

    Friend of the show Elizabeth Krear, President & CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), is back again (for a third time!) to unpack why working in the auto industry in 2026 feels a lot like joining the circus, plus a smorgasbord of other hot topics. In this episode, Elizabeth and I cover how tariffs and a reshuffled USMCA landscape are squeezing margins for automakers, the reality behind why “cars are so expensive now” vs. what prices look like in real 10‑year dollars, the rise of the K‑shaped auto economy (SUVs and trucks for the haves and shrinking options for entry‑level buyers), why hybrids are having a slow‑burn glow‑up while full BEVs settle into a 5–6% groove, and finally, how China’s EV machine and North American policy choices are one big competitive showdown. Plus, Elizabeth previews CAR’s Management Briefing Seminars where the industry will dig deep into affordability, the EV transition, China, supply‑chain resilience, and policy. If you’ve ever wondered how tariffs, geopolitics, and battery materials end up in your monthly payment, this one’s for you. _______________________________ CAR Management Briefing Seminars | June 15-16, 2026 | American Center for Mobility & Marriot Eagle Crest Resort | Ypsilanti, MI For over six decades, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) has hosted the industry’s most essential retreat. In 2026, experience a reimagined, two-day experience where policy, technology, and economic innovation intersect. Learn more here: https://www.cargroup.org/mbs/ _______________________________ Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

    17 min
  8. Ep. 258: Used EV Dealers Unplugged: High Miles, Hard Truths And a $40K Battery Repair

    Apr 23

    Ep. 258: Used EV Dealers Unplugged: High Miles, Hard Truths And a $40K Battery Repair

    Three used‑EV pros walk into an industry conference… and immediately start competing on who’s seen the most insane battery quote. In today's episode, live from the Used Car Summit in Miami, we've got a fun episode for you with Chip Geppi, Owner of Hybrid and Electric Car Sales in Nashville, Scott Lear, Founder of Battery4Life, and Gary Pretzfeld Co-Owner of AutoTrust USA in Hollywood, Florida. During this episode you'll hear a range (forgive the pun) of stories starting with a $43,000 Nissan Leaf undercarriage disaster, a flooded Tesla battery pack and a McLaren EV that needed engineers flown in from Europe. We also talked about how customer questions have evolved because range anxiety is out, but battery longevity and reliability are in. Chip explains why EV‑focused dealers talk state‑of‑health, not just EPA range, and how battery warranties can be a sales superpower, boosting used EV sales by ~10% and giving buyers the one thing they actually want, peace of mind. Gary also shares some real world buyer stories featuring a Vermont Tesla owner furious she couldn’t get home, until basic math, freezing temps, and preconditioning explained everything. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of the used EV market and how much a bad day with a battery can actually cost, this episode is your front‑row seat. _______________________________ This episode is sponsored by Battery4Life (B4L). For the first time in battery retailing, B4L offers automotive dealerships and other organizations the ability to sell a lifetime battery contract to consumers. Coverage is available on Gas, Hybrid and Electric vehicles for life. Dealers: learn more at https://www.1battery4life.com/ _______________________________ Connect with Scott Lear on LinkedIn or email: scott@dealerbenefit.com Connect with Chip Geppi on LinkedIn Connect with Gary Pretzfeld on LinkedIn ________________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

    17 min
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4.9
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About

If you're an EV enthusiast, you've come to the right place. The EVs for Everyone Podcast is a fun, entertaining look at how some of the world's most innovative companies are racing towards an electrified future. Press play to listen to exclusive interviews with respected leaders in the automotive industry who are ramping up their electrification efforts and sharing what they've learned along the way. If you're an automotive professional who wants to keep up with the latest EV trends (all while having a little fun), this is definitely the show for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Elena Ciccotelli
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    266
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Elena Ciccotelli
  • Show Website
    The EVs for Everyone Podcast

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